The Outcast Festival – that one wasn’t really me. It did help me figure out what I do like and don’t like in terms of creative stuff, though. I realised I’m not into that very “Junction-y” live performance vibe unless it feels meaningful. And Outcast wasn’t. It felt like a project people were going to do with us, but it wasn’t for us, you know? It was like, “Here’s the thing. Now, what are we gonna fill it with?” It wasn’t led by us.
The way we worked on the other projects was different. Those were fully designed by us, which made them feel more personal. The two filmmaking projects, those were my favourite. It was really cool working with professionals. It wasn’t like a youth worker coming in and doing it. Do you know what I mean? I started seeing it as a potential career, not just a school thing. It helped me see the future differently.
I loved that they got showcased at the end. Seeing our work on a big screen wasn’t just a “silly project” we did because we’re the “special kids.” It felt real, professional, like we made something cool. That really inspired me. It made me realise I could create something that people would actually see. It showed me that my voice mattered and that I could lead something creative which was translated into the outcome. That’s a big deal. It made me see possibilities I hadn’t considered before.
College has been a game-changer for my confidence, but the Red Balloon projects is what made me realise I could even go there – to college. Before, I didn’t think I could do anything creative or perform in front of people. But now, I’m auditioning for drama schools and performing on stage. And now, I’m here – more confident, clearer about what I want to do, and ready for whatever comes next. It gave me an outlet, gave my life a shape and a purpose.
Illustrations by Anglia Ruskin University students.